APCOM Foundation, on the evening of 7 November 2025, gathered community advocates, human rights leaders, artists, allies, and friends from across Asia and the Pacific in Bangkok for the 9th HERO Awards, a night dedicated to honoring the courage, creativity, and resilience of those who shape and strengthen our movement for equality.

As the 9th year – which is auspicious in Thailand as the pronunciation of the number 9 in Thai sounds like the word for ‘progress’, the 2025 host is APCOM long-time supporter and ally, philanthropist  Mel Heifetz. The evening celebrated this year’s theme, “Celebration of Equality”, paying tribute to Thailand’s historic legalization of Marriage Equality, the first country in Southeast Asia, and acknowledging the shared struggles, triumphs, and ongoing work that unite our communities across Asia and the Pacific region.

The spirit of equality lived vividly in our 2025 award recipients. They represent different communities, disciplines, and lived experiences, yet each stands as a reminder that dignity is a universal right.

This year’s HEROes reflect the diversity and strength of our region. The recipients include two from Indonesia, two from the Philippines, and two from Thailand, and one recipient from Japan, Fiji, India, and Malaysia. Together, this group represents many pathways to equality – Community organizers nurturing safe, inclusive spaces; health and HIV advocates expanding access to care and treatment; business leaders and policy makers advancing equality in workplace and in laws, cultural advocate and storyteller amplifying LGBTQI+ visibility through creative expression; trans and youth leaders challenging the boundaries of representation; and human rights defenders who have shaped LGBTQI+ organizing in our region for decades. 

Together, they remind us that equality is built through compassion, persistence, and the unwavering belief that dignity belongs to everyone.

The lifetime achievement Award, Shivananda Khan Award for Extraordinary Achievement goes to Dédé Oetomo from Indonesia. 

Dédé Oetomo is a cherished pioneer in the LGBTQI+ movement in Asia and the Pacific. A scholar, educator, activist, and former Chair of APCOM, he has shaped generations of human rights advocates and helped build cross-country networks that laid the foundation for today’s regional movement. His work reminds us that progress is never the result of one moment alone — but of learning, mentoring, coalition-building, and holding space for others to rise.

“I suppose I can be proud of being the first publicly out gay activist, academic and public intellectual. From time to time some young person would approach me at a gathering and thank me for what I’ve done, saying it has “saved their life”. When I started in the 1980s, partly because of my Asian studies background, and being Asian myself, I dreamed of a pan-Asian queer and trans movement. APCOM is one of its realizations, together with the likes of ILGA Asia, APTN, Intersex Asia etc. We should cherish these entities as our vehicles in our journey towards more freedom and well-being.”

The audience were also introduced to APCOM’s 2025 Community Ambassador in Joe Chonlawit Wongsriwor, who will highlight APCOM’s work and how its programs drive positive change for LGBTQI+ and key populations in Asia and the Pacific. The multi-talented Chonlawit, along with Antonia Porsild, Miss 1st Runner-Up Miss Universe 2023 and Miss Universe Thailand 2023 also served as the event’s Masters of Ceremony. 

The HERO Awards 2025 Recipients

As we celebrate this year’s inspiring stories, we also take a moment to honor the memory of two of our previous Shivananda Khan Award recipients: the late Tuisina Ymania Brown from Samoa (2019 Award Recipient) and Kamolset Kanggarruar from Thailand (2024 Award Recipient) whose legacy continues to guide our movement.

Tuisina Ymania Brown (Samoa) was a long-time human rights defender and proud fa’afafine leader. Holding a Master’s degree in Law, she served as Board Member of the Astraea Lesbian Foundation for Justice, Co-Chair of the Global Interfaith Network, and Co-Chair of the International Trans Fund. Ymania’s fearless advocacy for trans rights, gender diversity, and inclusion uplifted communities across the Pacific and beyond.

Kamolset Kanggarruar (Thailand) was the Secretary-General of the Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand (RSAT) and a tireless champion for Thailand’s LGBTQI+ community. With over two decades of service, he led efforts to advance HIV justice and the Marriage Equality Bill, shaping Thailand’s movement for equality with compassion and strength.

Both Ymania and Kamolset embodied the spirit of courage, compassion, and community that defines the Shivananda Khan Award for Extraordinary Achievement. Their impact lives on in the movements they built and the lives they touched.

However, this year, LBQ Hero Award was not presented due to security concerns for the potential recipient of the Award. APCOM remains committed to recognizing and supporting Lesbian, Bisexual, and Queer individuals in future editions of the awards. 

The evening’s performances were united under the the Journey of Equality theme, showcasing stunning artistic presentations tracing the paths from the early fight for rights to the joy of today’s celebration. Highlights included: Golden Time of Equality by Chamber of Commerce University, Rhythm of Equality: My Little Proud by Down Syndrome Hero Thailand, and Celebration of Equality Fashion Show by Rainbow Sky Association of Thailand (RSAT) and Kasem Bundit University. 

The evening also featured a handful of fundraising activities. The Art for Equality Charity Auction, showcasing three textile art prints by Thai artist Surachai Saengsuwan (Surapui), works that reflect inner transformation, rebirth, and the beauty of becoming. Funds raised support APCOM’s commitment to community-led initiatives across the region. Guests participated in a Golden Lucky Draw supporting the #APCOMpassion Emergency Fund, addressing urgent crises affecting LGBTQI+ communities across Asia and the Pacific following the U.S. administration’s foreign aid freeze. 

The HERO Awards 2025 ceremony offered an unforgettable evening of inspiration and celebration. Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception with delicious canapés, fine wines, and premium beer. 

Following the ceremony, the HERO Party BKK 2025 shifted from the usual circuit party to a fun-filled concert, featuring: The Voice Pride Thailand 2025 Concert with powerhouse LGBTQI+ vocalists, Dazzling Drag Shows by Amadiva, and closing with DJ Tony HM from BEEF.BKK, creating a joyful, safe space for celebration and solidarity. 

The 9th HERO Awards 2025 continues to serve as a beacon of hope, unity, and recognition for LGBTQI+ and HIV advocacy communities across Asia and the Pacific. Through celebrating these HEROes, APCOM reaffirms its commitment to equality, dignity, and justice for all.

Looking ahead, APCOM is preparing for the 10th Anniversary of the HERO Awards in 2026, a milestone moment that will be very special, marking a decade of celebrating change-makers, honoring courage, and amplifying voices of equality across Asia and the Pacific. The 10th edition will not only reflect on our collective journey but also strengthen our commitment to the future of LGBTQI+ and HIV advocacy.

We invite our partners, allies, and friends to continue supporting the HERO Awards through sponsorships, collaborations, and donations to the #APCOMpassion community initiatives, ensuring that together, we can keep uplifting the HEROes who inspire change and create a more equal world for all.

In-Kind Support

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